The series premieres tomorrow night, and has sparked controversy and plenty of news items. We'll have something new to talk about at coffee hour - see you there!

On the interesting side, "The Book of Daniel" features a man of God who struggles with personal demons, family conflict, parish problems, and a more conservative (but female) bishop. Also, his best best friend Jesus often drops by for a chat.

On the controversial side, at least one prominent conservative religious group has organized a letter-writing and emailing campaign to protest the series, claiming that the series "mocks Christianity." Which is ironic, when you consider the gulf that divides conservative and progressive Christians over most issues - this particular group is more interested in objecting to the portrayal of a (secondary) gay character in a positive way than defending Episcopal priests from being portrayed as human, fallible, or conflicted.

They are very quick to condemn Daniel's addiction to painkillers and his wife's fondness for her afternoon martinis. They disapprove of the They also have a problem with the way the "very unconventional white-robed, bearded Jesus" is portrayed. However, from all reviews I've read, Jesus is shown to be a kind, supportive figure who refuses to be Daniel's fortuneteller, but who offers him insights and friendship.

It's up to each of us to decide for ourselves whether this series is worth watching. It may turn out that it's just not that good - in that case, it will end its short run of 8 episodes and no one will care. On the other hand, it might turn out to be compelling, thought-provoking, and even entertaining, as it's billed as a comedy-drama.

The cast includes Aidan Quinn as Daniel, Ellyn Burstyn as Bishop Congreve, and occasionally Phyllis Diller appears as one of Daniel's parishioners (I bet she's a lot of fun at potluck suppers).

Here's a description of the show from the NBC website:

Emmy nominee Aidan Quinn (“An Early Frost,” “Plainsong,” “Legends of the Fall”) stars as Reverend Daniel Webster, an unconventional Episcopalian minister who not only believes in Jesus - he actually sees him and discusses life with him. Webster is challenged on many levels as he struggles to be a good husband, father and minister, while trying to control a nagging addiction to prescription painkillers, and an often rocky relationship with the church hierarchy, led by Bishop Beatrice Congreve (Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn, “Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore,” “Requiem of a Dream”), Roger Paxton, a senior warden of the parish and stalwart churchgoer (Dylan Baker, “Kinsey,” “Happiness”).

The reverend also has loving, but challenging relationships with his three children: Peter (Christian Campbell, “Trick”), his 23-year-old gay son, who struggles with the loss of his twin brother; Grace (Alison Pill, “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen”), his 16-year-old daughter who doesn't try to push her father's buttons but succeeds at it nonetheless; and Adam (Ivan Shaw, “All My Children”), his 16-year-old adopted Chinese son, a handsome and cocky high school jock with a wicked sense of humor. Keeping Webster grounded is his strong and loving wife Judith (Susanna Thompson, “Now and Again”), who is fighting her own fondness for mid-day martinis, as well as Jesus (Garret Dillahunt, “Deadwood”), whose frequent chats with Daniel serve to remind him of his strengths and weaknesses.

"The reverend?" Well, it's rare that the entertainment industry gets the details right on the proper way to refer to an Episcopal priest. For unintentional comedy alone, this may be an interesting series to watch. It's generating a lot of heat, but what is more interesting is the issues that it raises.

Some of us may be troubled by the rather excessive number of challenges Daniel faces, but no one has ever said that the life of a man or woman of God is easy, or that perfection is a requirement for the clergy.

The pilot for the new series was shot in Pasadena, Calif., at All Saints Episcopal Church to the great delight of the congregation.

“How cool is it that a progressive Episcopal priest has a shot at being a prime-time drama protagonist,” says the Rev. Susan Russell, associate rector. “How surprising might it be to many who tune in to find out there actually is a church where women can be bishops – clergy can be human – and there’s enough good news around to extend to everybody?” NBC has ordered 13 episodes.

Triggered by a magnitude 9 earthquake, the tsunami pounded coasts along India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand and, although the official death toll is still unclear, the giant wave claimed more than 220,000 lives, conservative estimates suggest. -- Tsunami relief central to churches' mission one year on

Today is St Stephen's Day, but it will forever also be remembered as the anniversary of the devastating tsunami in South Asia.

We remember the victims and their families with this prayer from Grace Cathedral, San Francisco from last year:

Prayer For The Victims of the Tsunami

We weep with your people in South Asia
We hear the cries of orphaned children and laments of bereaved parents
We feel the desperation of those searching for loved ones
We behold the silence of vanished villages.

We see the devastation.
We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.
Our hearts are hushed, our minds are numb.
Let not our hands be stopped, our voices dumb.

God of the universe,
Open our hearts to feel your compassion
Galvanize in us the act of continued giving
Bond us to our sisters and brothers in need
Comfort and heal the injured, the bereaved, the lost
Strengthen the aid workers and medical personnel
Bolster the resolve of governments and those with power to help
Open through this tragedy pathways to partnerships and peace
In Your Name of mercy and healing and compassion we pray,
Amen.

The Rev. Wilma T. Jakobsen is an associate pastor for liturgy and justice at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California. She is a native South African, and previously served as Anglican chaplain at the University of Cape Town.

However, creative thinking makes it possible for one person to really make a difference:

The Seattle Times: Nation & World: Richard Berger of West Seattle felt that he had to do something for the people of Pakistan, struggling to survive after a massive earthquake, with winter coming on and no shelter:

Berger, a former gallery owner, drove to the flagship REI store and bought several blankets. He took them home, tore at them, set them on fire, stood out in wind and rain with them wrapped over a T-shirt.

Then he called the manufacturer of the most durable blanket, and they found a way to bring the $5.50 blankets down to $1 each. Berger asked Mercy Corps, a relief agency, if it would distribute the blankets in Pakistan. And he e-mailed 250 friends, asking for donations. DHL heard about it, and shipped some for free. As of Tuesday, he had raised more than $100,000 to send about 110,000 blankets to Pakistan.

"I had no idea this would work. There's a tremendous number of caring people that, given the opportunity to respond, will step in.

The Collect

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

The Psalm

1 Sing to the LORD a new song; * sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.

2
Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; *
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3
Declare his glory among the nations *
and his wonders among all peoples.

4
For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; *
he is more to be feared than all gods.

5
As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

6
Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7
Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; *
ascribe to the LORD honor and power.

8
Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; *
bring offerings and come into his courts.

9
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; *
let the whole earth tremble before him.

10
Tell it out among the nations: "The LORD is King! *
he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity."

11
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

12
Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the LORD when he comes, *
when he comes to judge the earth.

13
He will judge the world with righteousness *
and the peoples with his truth.

The Epistle

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

The Gospel

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

[When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. ]

Congregations are invited to remember our companion dioceses of Renk and Southeast Mexico in special prayers, collections, and in presentations by members.

The Collect

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

The Psalm

1 LORD, remember David, * and all the hardships he endured;

2
How he swore an oath to the LORD *
and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3
"I will not come under the roof of my house," *
nor climb up into my bed;

4
I will not allow my eyes to sleep, *
nor let my eyelids slumber;

5
Until I find a place for the LORD, *
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."

6
"The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; *
we found it in the fields of Jearim.

7
Let us go to God's dwelling place; *
let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."

8
Arise, O LORD, into your resting-place, *
you and the ark of your strength.

9
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *
let your faithful people sing with joy.

10
For your servant David's sake, *
do not turn away the face of your Anointed.

11
The LORD has sworn an oath to David; *
in truth, he will not break it:

12
"A son, the fruit of your body *
will I set upon your throne.

13
If your children keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *
their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."

14
For the LORD has chosen Zion; *
he has desired her for his habitation:

15
"This shall be my resting-place for ever; *
here will I dwell, for I delight in her.

16
I will surely bless her provisions, *
and satisfy her poor with bread.

17
I will clothe her priests with salvation, *
and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.

18
There will I make the horn of David flourish; *
I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.

19
As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *
but as for him, his crown will shine."

The Epistle

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

The Gospel

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

We distributed bags last Sunday in the neighborhood around the church, and returned today to pick up the loaded bags. Thank you to everyone who participated by distributing bags, donating food, or picking up!

Advent, the season of the church year leading up to Christmas, is a busy time for everyone. There's shopping, wrapping, writing cards, cooking, and visiting to be done, and very little time to do it in. There often seems to be little time left over for the needy, the hungry, or even ourselves.

This Advent season, do something for others, and for yourself. Take time out from your busy schedule to do something good.

St Columba of Iona Episcopal Church
1800 W. Irving Park Road
(1 blk. W. of Barrington and Irving Park Road)
Hanover Park, IL
630-289-1574

News flash: Holy Innocents will also not hold services Christmas Day (although there may be a service at St Columba)!

Christmas Eve at Holy Innocents will begin with carols at 730pm Saturday, December 25th, and the main service of Christmas will begin at 8pm. After the service, we'll gather for food and fellowship before making our way home through the bleak midwinter darkness.

We all have a Sunday "off" on the 25th to enjoy with families and friends.

After hearing the news item on WBEZ, I sent the following email to their Chicago newsroom:

Earlier this morning, you ran a short piece about Willow Creek Community Church's decision not to hold services on Sunday, December 25th (Christmas morning). Apparently they are taking some criticism for this move, but actually it's not uncommon in churches of all sizes when a major holiday (or "feast") falls on a Sunday, especially when there's been a late evening service the night before.

The piece went on to detail some of the other services Willow Creek is holding the week before the holiday and on Christmas Eve itself.

Mega-churches are always news, but in the interests of fairness and balance, I wanted to offer to you this news flash from a very small
"mini-church," also in Hoffman Estates:

Holy Innocents Episcopal Church will offer Christmas Eve services
Saturday, December 24th beginning at 730pm with carols, and continuing with a choral Eucharist (communion service)at 8pm. After the service, there will be a reception with food and fellowship for all. Holy Innocents Episcopal Church is located at 425 Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates (corner of Illinois and Thacker). Call 847-885-7900, or see
church website and blog at www.holy-innocents.org for more information.

There will be no service Sunday morning on Christmas Day.

We ask parishioners and visitors to bring a bag of non-perishable food
items and personal toiletries to the service; we will pile them around
the altar as an offering in thanksgiving for our many blessings and as a
pledge to feed the hungry.

Holy Innocents is an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming mission parish of
the Episcopal Church USA.

Please help us gather food for the hungry and the working poor in the Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg area. Shop for the hungry, and place food and toiletries in this bag. Put it out at your front door Sunday, December 11 by 1130am. We will pick up bags that day.

If you are unable to leave a bag out for pick up, you are welcome to bring it to the church the following Sunday, or on Christmas Eve.

Particularly needed:
• Canned Corn
• Canned Fruit
• Ramen Noodles
• Canned Meats
• Hot Cocoa Mix
• Boxed Potatoes
• Jello & Pudding Mixes
• Chunky Soups
• Tuna (canned and “ready to eat” packages
• Toothpaste
• Bars of Soap, sample sizes of toiletries, etc.
• Chili (boxed or canned)

Also useful for people with limited cooking facilities:
• Crackers or other flatbreads, rice cakes
• Dried fruits and nuts, trail mix
• Juice boxes
• Canned or evaporated or ultra-pasteurized milk
• Mini-boxes of cereal (the “makes its own bowl” kind)
• Plastic flatware/napkins

Thank you for helping to feed the hungry!

We will return to pick up bags next Sunday, and hope that our neighbors will leave the bags out on their front porches so that we may quickly pick up the donated items.

The Collect

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

For I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labor in vain,
or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD--
and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent-- its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain, says the LORD.

The Psalm

1
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.

2
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3
Then they said among the nations, *
"The LORD has done great things for them."

4
The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.

5
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.

6
Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.

7
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

The Epistle

[We appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.]

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

Beloved, pray for us.

Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all of them.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The Gospel

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, `Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

or

The Gospel

John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized -- John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison.

Now a discussion about purification arose between John's disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered, "No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, `I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease."

A couple of Sundays ago, parishioner Bob Kalicki announced that he'd just bought a flock of chickens. He quickly explained that he had been intrigued by the gift offerings in the ERD Gifts for Life Catalog that had been posted on the parish bulletin board. For a very small donation, somewhere in the world a flock of chickens will be given to a family, and they will be given both sustenance and a source of income all in one gift (the amount of donation also includes training for raising poultry for the marketplace).

Another parishioner ordered the Gifts for Life catalog and advised the grown children of the family that if they wanted to spend money on presents for their parents, they might think about "buying" something that will really help other families somewhere in the world.

Imagine all the people in your family who are hard to shop for: think what good you can do in this world if you give gifts for "people who have everything" to help "people who have nothing." For relatively small amounts of money, you can help people gain access to clean water, basic health care, or learn how to start a family-run business.

So if you can't think of anything for your Uncle Joe, consider getting him a pig for Christmas, but be sure to explain that it's in a good cause.

Faith Explorer: an online resource of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago